Are you still using Windows 8 on your PC or Laptop? If you’re doing so, now it’s time to upgrade to a newer version. Microsoft, the software giant now warns its users that Windows 8 is no longer a supported version. Microsoft announced that it has ended support for several old versions of web browser Internet Explorer that include IE8, IE9, and IE10, alongside Windows 8. Microsoft will no longer release security patches for the new operating system. For the browsers, the company has also released a final patch (KB3123303) that includes the latest cumulative security updates and an “End of Life” upgrade notification.
Users on Windows 8 have received the last security patch update for their operating system on January 12. Despite releasing in the year 2012, the life cycle of Windows 8 is shorter than normal. One would anticipate that a Microsoft desktop operating system can get at least 10 years of support. This is because the tech giant is packaging Windows 8.1 as a service pack to Windows 8. As per company’s policy, a user has a time period of two years to upgrade to the next available service pack.
Microsoft No Longer Supports Windows 8
Microsoft has ended supports for the Windows 8 version of OS. End of support does not actually mean the software stops working. Ending the support means, when a given deadline is reached for its software, Microsoft simply stops releasing security updates and offering technical support. The Windows 8 users can simply upgrade to Windows 8.1. Microsoft’s support lifecycle policy uses Windows 8.1 like a service pack, even though it is branded an operating system upgrade that delivers extra features, not just improvements.
It’s no more a secret that Windows 8 didn’t generate the response Microsoft was anticipating of it. Many modifications such as Modern UI and a strong emphasis on touch made the Windows 8 OS very tough for traditional mouse and keyboard users to operate. Realising the error, Microsoft released Windows 8.1 in 2013. It was a mandatory upgrade for all Windows 8 users.
However, it is not very clear that how many people are using Windows 8, as of 2014, Microsoft reported that it had sold more than 200 million copies of it.
Once upgraded to Windows 8.1, which is available as a free upgrade to Windows 8 users, you will see the end of life support on their system extended to January 10, 2023. Windows 8.1 users can upgrade to Windows 10 and extend the support cycle till October 14, 2025. If you’re on Windows 7, your device will receive its last security patch on January 14, 2020. Windows 7 computer is also eligible to get Windows 10 as a free upgrade.